All-new, but it's really an updated Lincoln MKX.Revised styling compared to MKX.Base engine is now a turbocharged four-cylinder.The 2019 Lincoln Nautilus is a five-passenger midsize luxury crossover that takes over for the MKX with a fresh exterior style.
Pros Quiet interior with spacious rear seating Comfortable ride Strong acceleration from optional turbocharged V6
Cons Thick roof pillars and small rear window impair visibility
It's still a Lincoln MKX (so it's still a Ford Edge), but the 2019 Lincoln Nautilus manages to improve in the most important ways, with more style and technology.
Pros It has a real name Lots of active safety equipment Handsome updated exterior All turbocharged lineup
Cons Harsh plastic on center console It's still a Ford Edge underneath Lincoln brand cachet still not great Matthew McConaughey will probably love it
Pros Smooth ride, decent steering, quiet and responsive engines.
Cons More relaxed than engaging, unspectacular interior.
The all-new 2017 Kia Niro is classified as a compact hybrid crossover SUV, though it really functions more like a hatchback. Your view of the road is marginally higher because of the Niro's elevated stance, but Kia doesn't offer the Niro with all-wheel drive, so don't expect to be a snow-busting trailblazer in bad weather. The Niro's core appeal comes from its traditional exterior design (no "hybrid!" shouting here) as well as a new powertrain that is capable of returning up to an EPA-estimated 50 mpg in combined city/highway driving.
Pros: Impressive fuel economy from the base trim model Six-speed transmission shifts like a conventional car's One of the more affordable hybrids in the segment Batteries are hidden under the rear seat and don't affect cargo space
Cons: All-wheel drive isn't offered despite the crossover styling Smaller cargo space compared to some rival models The Niro's Touring trim sacrifices some fuel efficiency
By calling it a crossover, the Korean brand also wants to get in the minds of the consumer wanting more utility. We all know crossover sales are booming, and part of their likeability is their higher ride height and boxy, useable interior space. But after spending a full day driving the Niro in Texas Hill Country, the question stuck in my head was whether it is really a crossover. The Niro is just 3.3 inches taller and has the same ground clearance as the Hyundai Ioniq, which it shares its platform with. And in terms of passenger volume, the Niro has only a small advantage, encasing 97.1 cubic feet versus the Ioniq’s 96.2 cubic feet. Although its two-box design might help its case for being a crossover, I suspect most will just see it as a lifted hatchback.
You shouldn’t have any nasty surprises, either. Kia was rated as above average in our most recent reliability survey and the Niro also gets a seven-year/100,000-mile warranty – a class-leading feature.
Pros: Low CO2 emissions Spacious interior Long warranty
Cons: More conventional rivals are cheaper Not much fun to drive Firm low speed ride
